Title:  Children

Francois Sieberhagen

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

As a child, like many others, I was intrigued by the tale of the well known rev. Solly Ozrovech.  As a child he ended up in the wrong orphanage and as a Jew he eventually became a pastor.  He is an example of how the love of Jesus became practical, just like Matthew explains.

When visiting Uganda, Justine Zikusooka from the Bible Society of Uganda, takes me with to visit a project in the rural communities.  Here they reach out to children who are HIV positive and child headed families.  I experience a different example of what Matthew meant.

I experienced true love in action.  At one stage Justine invited the nine year old Ruth to sit with her.  I steal a quick photo.  I have always said a photo does not lie, it tells the truth.  I captured the selfless love of a woman caring for a child who has a limited future on earth.

In both cases, that of rev. Solly and Ruth, it was ordinary people that made the love of Jesus practical.  These ordinary people through their own actions reached out to defenceless children and supported them in their tough circumstances.

Every day we read in the newspapers of children who are brought to injustice.  It is alarming.  But that is where our challenge lies.  We have to reach out.  We have to become practical in our faith.  We simply need to reach out to the children that cross our path.  We need to become Jesus for them and work in such a way that His kingdom will become part of their lives.  This is not only about children who are unhappy but also about those living and working in stable environment.

We as Christians have a duty and a responsibility.  Let’s accept the challenge to become involved.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for letting me be part of your plan to look after children.  Amen.